Dallas slipped inside the elevator just as Gibbs let the doors close. Crossing to the back, she leaned casually against the sides, staring at the back of the enigmatic NCIS agent. Suddenly, the elevator came to a halt and the lights in the interior dimmed to emergency setting. Unprepared for the abrupt stop, Dallas grabbed at the walls, "What happened?"
"I stopped the elevator," Gibbs responded reasonably, turning around to face the FBI agent.
"Why'd you do that?"
"Needed some privacy."
"You do this often?" Dallas asked, still incredulous.
"When I need privacy," Gibbs smiled.
"Is it safe?"
"Probably not." And he stopped her conversation by crossing the small space and placing a hand on either hip.
Dallas relaxed her death grip and looked into the smiling eyes of the senior agent. "Now," Gibbs continued, "You want to ask the questions you didn't ask before?"
Knowing she was once again busted, Dallas nodded and asked, "Why did you really choose me over Ziva?"
"For all the reasons I mentioned in the Conference Room. I don't think I need to deal with the stigma of a foreign-born wife. You're a little older and you've lived on U.S. bases off and on your entire life."
Leaning suggestively into Jethro, Dallas added, "And the fact we've been sleeping together for the last couple of months doesn't hurt, either."
Stealing a quick kiss, he replied, "That's an added advantage, yeah."
"And I'm guessing the rest of your team doesn't know about us?"
"No. Does your boss?" Gibbs countered.
"I think he suspects something but he's got no concrete proof so, no."
Nodding, Gibbs clarified, "Look, Dallas, two months ago I stood toe to toe with you in Interrogation and you never flinched. The only vibe I got from you was the one I was supposed to get – that you were a traitor to Corps and Country. Never once did I make you for an FBI operative. If you can do it then, you can do it now. That's the main reason I wanted you for this mission."
Blushing under the compliment, Hunter said, "I won't let you down, Jethro."
"I know you won't. You wouldn't be here if I had any doubts," his response was matter-of-fact. "Now, as for your cover, Mrs. Gilbert, I need you to look the part of a very expensive, very spoiled housewife. Can you do that?"
Dallas nodded, smiling and responded, "I think I can manage."
He stole another quick kiss and then started the elevator. The mission was now fully underway.
